Irish stew

The favorite at 2-1 is Irish stew, that hearty concoction of lamb, potatoes and vegetable.

My wife makes things in the slow-cooker: chocolate chili, pulled pork, Irish stew with parsnips and Guinness and Maine maple syrup.

Under those leaves are more leaves — fresh mint, a classic pairing with lamb, of course, but almost the last thing you expect to find in Irish stew.

Anything from an Irish stew to a French beef Bourguignon suits my fancy.

Cue the meatless Irish stew, an enlightened bowl gathering whatever vegetables look good in the market in a broth lush with marjoram, rosemary and thyme.